Illicit firearms seized in Gosford

NSW Police have arrested 45 people and seized 518 firearms and firearm parts during a week of action targeting illicit firearms.

Formerly known as Operation Athena, the National Illicit Firearms Working Group – consisting of police from jurisdictions across Australia, Federal agencies, and NZ Police – co-ordinated a transnational week of action between Monday, October 13 and Sunday, October 19.

The statewide component of the operation was led by State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad, with assistance from hundreds of police and specialist officers across the state.

This resulted in the execution of 20 warrants, the arrest of 45 people, the laying of 206 charges, the issuance of 15 Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs), the completion of 91 FPO compliance checks, and 1,628 safe storage inspections.

In total, NSW Police located and seized 270 firearms, 89 firearm parts, 19 imitation firearms, 10 privately manufactured or 3D-printed firearms, and 130 privately manufactured or 3D-printed firearm parts.

Police executed a search warrant in Gosford at about 6.15am on Tuesday, October 14.

They seized 24 items including a 3D printer, three manufactured glock-style pistols, magazines, 3D printed holsters, an imitation revolver, and electronics relevant to their investigation.

A 52-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was taken to Gosford Police Station, where he was charged with 14 offences including two counts of possess unauthorised prohibited firearm; two counts of possess unauthorised pistol; possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit; possess more than three unregistered firearms, one is prohibited/pistol; two counts of manufacture prohibited firearm without licence/permit; two counts of manufacture firearm without licence/permit; three counts of not keep firearm safely-prohibited firearm and not keep firearm safely-pistol.

Commander of State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad and National Chair of the Illicit Firearms Working Group, Detective Superintendent John Watson, said criminals were innovating, but so were police.

“Privately manufactured firearms present a fast-evolving challenge, but this operation shows what’s possible when agencies collaborate effectively,” he said.

“These 3D printed components may look colourful, but they are not toys.

“Once assembled, they become lethal weapons – entirely illicit and extremely dangerous. That’s why we’re targeting the full supply chain, from printers to imported parts.

“By combining intelligence, resources and expertise, we’ve not only disrupted criminal activity, we’ve sent a clear message to those who think they can operate in the shadows: we will find you,” Det Supt Watson said.

“This isn’t just about seizures. It’s about safeguarding communities and reinforcing the principles of responsible gun ownership.

“Every illicit firearm we remove is one less threat to public safety. These aren’t just statistics, they represent lives protected and harm prevented.

“Public safety sits at the core of our firearms licensing system. Shooters must be licensed, firearms must be registered, and compliance is non-negotiable. That’s why NSWPF places such high importance on inspections and enforcement.

“It is illegal to manufacture your own firearm or print firearm parts. These practices are unsafe, unlawful, and they erode the integrity of our licensing framework; we will continue to act decisively to stop them.”

Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au